Five-star winners Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue head a strong Irish eventing squad for the 2026 World Championships (11 to 23 August).

Colorado Blue, who won Maryland 5 Star with Austin in 2023 and was runner-up at Defender Burghley last year, missed a five-star tilt this spring owing to a “bit of a set back in training”. Austin said at the time that he hoped it was a “fairly short-term” setback and that he hoped they would have the Aachen World Championships to look forward to.

The 17-year-old gelding, who has also been on the Mars Badminton podium twice, had his first run since April last week, jumping a steady clear across country in an open intermediate section at Upton House (14 July).

Austin said “Salty” was “very happy indeed to be back out, doing his favourite thing”.

The duo were part of the Irish team at the last worlds in Pratoni, as well as the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games.

They are joined by two combinations who helped Ireland to the historic European team silver medal at Blenheim last year: Aoife Clark with Full Monty De Lacense and Ian Cassells on Millridge Atlantis.

Double world silver medallist Padraig McCarthy, who was also part of the medal-winning side at Blenheim, is named on the squad with his home-bred MGH Zabaione. This will be a first senior championships for the 10-year-old gelding, who won Blenheim’s kingmaker eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S in 2024, Ballindenisk CCI4*-L in 2025, and has had other exciting four-star results to his name.

Georgie Goss, a former youth medallist for Britain who switched to represent Ireland in 2023, will have make her senior championship debut wearing the Irish flag with Kojak.

Horse Sport Ireland high performance eventing manager Sam Griffiths said the selection panel “had some incredibly tough decisions to make, which really reflects positively on the growing strength of Irish eventing”.

“There were lots of combinations that could have made the team but just missed it,” he said. “But having said that, the combinations we have are very strong. I firmly believe that if they can maintain their current form and compete to the level of their current form, we’ll be very competitive.

“We’ve got a really strong team. We know we’re going to be against some fierce competition but we’re going with a lot of confidence and we’re all very proud to be able to represent the nation.”

Irish eventing squad for the 2026 Aachen World Championships

The full squad, in alphabetical order by athlete surname, is:

Ian Cassells, Millridge Atlantis, 12

Owners: Ber, Fiona and Gerry Leahy

Breeder: Sean O’Loughlin

Breeding: Dinan Cascaletto x Warrenstown You 2

Aoife Clark, Full Monty De Lacense, 11

Owners: Ace of Spades Syndicate

Breeder: SCEA Du Noron

Breeding: Quickly De Kreisker x Vesontio Du Mesnil

Padraig McCarthy, MGH Zabaione, 10

Owners: Peter Cattell, Diane Brunsden and rider

Breeder: rider

Breeding: Zavall VDL x Acobat I

Georgie Goss, Kojak, 11

Owners: Molly Fisher, Lucy Fleming and Samantha Wilson

Breeder: H Vos

Breeding: Namelus R x Contender

Austin O’Connor, Colorado Blue, 17

Owners: The Salty Syndicate

Breeder: Mellon Stud

Breeding: Jaguar Mail x Rock King

Irish eventing squad reserves

Susie Berry with 15-year-old gelding John The Bull

Owners: Nick & Helen Caton

Breeder: James Byrne

Breeding: by Luidam, out of a mare by Houmayoun

Sarah Ennis with 11-year-old gelding Dourough Ferro Class Act

Owners: James and Niki Potterton

Breeder: Gordon Dury

Breeding: by Creevagh Ferro out of a mare by OBOS Quality 004

Padraig McCarthy with 12-year-old gelding Pomp N Circumstance

Owners: Rachel and Sarah Gough

Breeder: Sarah Gough

Breeding: by Pompadour xx out of a mare by Furisto

Joseph Murphy with 15-year-old gelding Calmaro

Owners: Richard and Tanja Ames, Annette O’Callaghan and Alan Bell

Breeder: Hartmut Schack

Breeding: by Carpalano out of a mare by Elsurimo xx

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A “groundbreaking” new approach will allow horses without recorded pedigrees be considered for entry into the Irish Draught Horse Studbook (IDHS) in a move to restore rare bloodlines – an initiative that could help other native breeds in future.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has introduced the “genomic grade-up rule” for IDHS, described by the governing body as “the first initiative of its kind in an Irish sport horse studbook”. Breeders can submit a hair sample – at a cost of €200 (£173) – and using advanced genomic tools, it will be assessed whether the animal “carries the core genetic make-up of a pure-bred Irish Draught”.

Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and once approved, horses will be designated “genomic grade up” in the supplementary section of the studbook. Their progeny, by or out of another Irish Draught, will be eligible for the studbook’s main section.

“This provides a scientifically robust pathway for identifying and restoring rare or long‑absent Irish Draught bloodlines, strengthening the future of Ireland’s national breed,” said an HSI spokesperson, adding that this genomic technique is also being investigated for use with the traditional Irish horse designation.

HSI head of breeding, innovation and development Sonja Egan said the genomic grade-up is a “significant and forward-looking step for the studbook, and in support of daughter societies worldwide”.

“The studbook has embraced existing genomic research and genomic technologies, which have the power to protect the integrity of the breed while creating new opportunities to reintroduce valuable bloodlines that may otherwise be lost,” said Dr Egan.

“It marks a major milestone in how we conserve and strengthen the Irish Draught horse population, with significant potential for development in the traditional Irish horse population and, where other studbooks are interested, other native rare breeds.”

HSI senior equine geneticist Jennifer Doyle added that she is “delighted to support breeders” with this new innovative method of identifying Irish Draughts.

“The potential to identify these horses that would otherwise have been lost to the ID studbook marks a significant change in our ability to conserve and protect bloodlines in an important native rare breed,” said Dr Doyle, adding that this is just “one benefit of many”, using this type of genotyping.

“I hope this launch is the first of many genomic discoveries that will support the many dedicated breeders of our native rare breeds.”

Olive Broderick of Kylemore Stud told H&H she and some other breeders believe that the breed needs genetic diversity and “any help in this area would be beneficial” – but added that rare bloodlines are “mostly rare because the stallions were not used as they were not considered good enough”.

Mrs Broderick suggested that an appendix register – accommodating approved Irish draught (AID) mares – should be reinstated for horses that have been inspected and are true to type, as this “added greatly to the quality of the breed”.

“AID mares generally were 25% thoroughbred. Crossed again to Irish Draught and you were almost full Irish Draught, but the quality and hybrid vigour it brought to the breed was very notable. This would be very interesting and worthwhile once more in my opinion,” she said.

Mrs Broderick said that she sees no harm in the grade up – on the basis that horses are inspected first.

“I would suggest it be allowed only for a limited time and number initially and the resulting foals born from the newly upgraded stock be closely inspected and followed for four years,” she said.

Irish Draughts are on the Rare Breed Survival Trust watchlist and the organisation’s chief executive Christopher Price told H&H the initiative “represents a positive, science-led step” in conserving the breed.

“Advanced genomic tools can assess whether an individual animal has the correct genetic make-up for inclusion in the supplementary section of the studbook. Alongside traditional pedigree recording and registration, which remain vital for long-term breed management and continuity, similar genomic tools could also be considered to support conservation in other native breeds that have defined a clear genetic profile,” he said.

“There are many reasons why pedigree records may be incomplete or lost and this system can create a pathway for such animals to contribute to the future of the breed while ensuring breed integrity is maintained.”

An Irish Draught Horse Society of Great Britain (IDHS (GB)) spokesperson told H&H the society learned of the rule on 18 March and “needs to assess what it will mean for IDHS (GB) in practice”.

“We need time to study the scientific literature underpinning the new development, consult with our council and members and ask HSI how the implementation of the rule will impact on current methods of evaluation,” said the spokesperson.

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Australian Olympic rider and Badminton winner Sam Griffiths has been appointed high performance eventing manager of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI).

Sam, who has 14 five-star starts and six championships under his belt, will lead the Irish team to the 2026 World Championships in Aachen and throughout the build-up to the LA Olympics in 2028.

“I’m really excited to be appointed,” said Sam. “Ireland is a very strong equestrian nation with exceptional horses and riders so I’m hoping I can get the best out of everyone.”

Among his many achievements, Sam won Badminton Horse Trials with Paulank Brockagh in 2014. Two years later they were part of the team that won bronze at the Rio Olympics, finishing fourth individually. Sam and Happy Times completed Burghley six times, finishing third twice, and competed at the 2012 London Games.

Sam takes over from Dag Albert, who led Ireland to silver at the European Championships at Blenheim in September, the country’s first senior European eventing team medal in 30 years.

“This is a strong period for Irish eventing with some young combinations as well as the more established ones, and the European Championships was obviously a great result,” said Sam.

“Ireland is a nation very much on the up. I learned a lot throughout my riding career and as head coach for New Zealand and I’m hoping to implement some of the philosophies I’ve honed along the way to this programme.

“I’m ambitious, we have the World Championships on the horizon and we want to go well there. That’s also a stepping stone to the Olympics, with qualification to Los Angeles on offer and from there we have European Championships, but what I want is an Olympic medal, so let’s all pull in the same direction to get there.”

Sam added that he has an “Irish connection” through his Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh, bred by his friends Paula and Frank Cullen.

“My cousin also lives in south Dublin who I see on a regular basis, so I definitely feel like there’s a bit of Ireland in me. It’s also been fantastic to be supported by TRM, who I know have been great supporters of the HSI youth programme for many years,” he said.

“It’s going to be an exciting time for Irish eventing, and I can’t wait to get started.”

An HSI spokesperson said Sam is “one of the most respected figures in international eventing”.

“His experience spans talent development, championship preparation and performance systems aligned with best international practice,” he said.

“He played an integral part in the redesign of New Zealand’s high performance eventing program along with the high performance director, while also serving as head coach for over three years, including at the Paris Olympics in 2024. He also acted as chef d’equipe at various international events and Nations Cups.”

HSI chief executive Denis Duggan said the organisation is delighted to welcome Sam.

“Sam brings an exceptional blend of elite competitive experience and proven high-performance management expertise. His understanding of what it takes to succeed at the very top of the sport, both as an athlete and as a leader, will be of enormous benefit to our eventing programme,” he said.

“This appointment follows a thorough and competitive process, and Sam stood out for his vision, technical knowledge and alignment with HSI’s high-performance strategy. His commitment to horse welfare and to transparency within the sport reflects the values at the heart of HSI’s high-performance system.”

Mr Duggan thanked Dag Albert for his “commitment, professionalism and contribution”.

“Dag has played an important role in supporting our athletes and in strengthening the foundations of the high performance eventing programme, and we wish him every success in the future,” he said.

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Two-time Olympic rider Jessica Kürten hopes to lead the Irish showjumping team to future championship victory, having been appointed high performance jumping manager.

Jessica succeeds Michael Blake, who has been in place since 2019 and has “concluded his tenure”.

Jessica is a much-respected figure in the showjumping world. She represented Ireland at the 1996 and 2004 Olympics, and helped the Irish team win gold at the 2001 European Championships. She formerly reached number two in the world rankings, and was a regular on the World Cup circuit.

Jessica retired from international competition in 2015. She is a coach and commentator, and chair of the FEI athletes committee.

“I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Ireland’s new high performance jumping manager. Ireland has a strong track record and I look forward to working closely with all members of the team, with [Horse Sport Ireland] HSI and with all the other stakeholders to ensure that we put ourselves in the best possible position,” said Jessica.

“I am hugely excited about our prospects for the World Championships next year and for the European Championships and the Olympics in 2028. I have been involved in equestrian sport for 40 years, and I will bring all of my experience to fostering a collaborative and successful culture within the Irish team.”

Jessica will be responsible for the planning, delivery and performance of Ireland’s senior jumping programme, working with athletes, coaches and support teams to “build on Ireland’s recent international success, while strengthening the pathway from youth and development squads through to senior Nations Cups and championships”.

HSI chief executive Denis Duggan said Jessica is “one of the most iconic figures in jumping and her record speaks for itself”.

“A former world number two, dual Olympian, European champion and Aga Khan winner, she brings unrivalled experience as an elite athlete who understands exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level,” he said.

“The request for tender and interview process was comprehensive and highly competitive, and Jessica presented the strongest vision for the future of the Irish programme. Her combination of competitive excellence, coaching expertise, leadership experience and international governance knowledge will further strengthen Ireland’s position on the world stage.”

Mr Duggan thanked Michael for his “dedication, commitment and passion for Irish sport” and wished him “every success in the next chapter”.

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Irish Olympic showjumper Darragh Kenny has been provisionally suspended in a human anti-doping case relating to prescribed treatment for a medical condition.

Darragh’s provisional FEI suspension started yesterday (13 October), and relates to testing at the European Showjumping Championships (16–20 July).

“The FEI has indicated that the provisional suspension relates to a human anti-doping matter involving a substance classified under class S6 (stimulants) on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list,” said Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) spokesperson in a statement.

“Substances in this category may be found in certain prescribed medications used in the treatment of medical conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], anaphylaxis and cold and flu symptoms.”

Darragh and Eddy Blue were part of the Irish team that finished fourth at the Europeans this summer, where they came seventh individually. Darragh is ranked 14th in the world and was part of the team at the Tokyo Olympics.

“I wish to address my current situation. After the European Championships earlier this year, I was notified by the FEI of a positive result for a medication prohibited under anti-doping regulations,” said Darragh in a statement published by HSI.

“The medication in question is part of a prescribed treatment I have been taking under medical supervision for ADHD. As a result, the FEI has imposed a provisional suspension while the matter is being reviewed. I am cooperating fully with the FEI and the International Testing Agency (ITA) to clarify the circumstances surrounding this case.”

Darragh said he wanted to “emphasise that I never intended to gain any competitive advantage”.

“My sole aim was to responsibly address a medical condition under professional guidance,” he said.

“I am deeply grateful to my national federation, my sponsors, owners, clients and the broader equestrian community for their support throughout this process. Thank you for your understanding.”

The HSI statement added that the matter is being managed by the ITA on behalf of the FEI.

“As the case remains ongoing, HSI will not be making any further comment at this time.”

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New faces and a former British team horse are among those named on the Irish squad for the European Para Dressage Championships (3–7 September).

Horse Sport Ireland high performance para dressage manager Simone Hession has chosen “a blend of youth and experience” to travel to Ermelo, the Netherlands.

The team features the top two ranked riders in the under-18 world para dressage rankings; 17-year-old Katie Reilly who will bring forward Natasha Baker’s former top ride Keystone Dawn Chorus, and 16-year-old Clodagh Walsh, who rides her own Chantal.

Katie, Clodagh and Angela Lyons (Woodcroft Santa Cruz) are all making their championship debut. Jessica McKenna was on the Paris Paralympic team and rode at the 2023 Europeans, but will ride a new championships partner in D.C.I Cerruti.

Irish team for European Para Dressage Championships

The selected riders for the Irish team at the European Para Dressage Championships, in order of grades, is:

Grade I

Clodagh Walsh and 16-year-old mare Chantal

Owner: Alan Walsh

Breeder: Hans-Hermann Maack

Breeding: by Christ 3, out of a mare by Del Piero

Grade III

Jessica McKenna and 14-year-old gelding D.C.I Cerruti

Owners: Elder Klatzjo and Emma and Jessica McKenna

Breeder: Raimund Vorwerk

Breeding: by Christ 3, and out of Fariane

Katie Reilly and 14-year-old mare Keystone Dawn Chorus

Owners: Kathleen Heavey, John Norcross, and Brendan and Karen Reilly

Breeder: S Lavendera

Breeding: By Dimaggio, out of a mare by Escudo 19

Grade IV

Angela Lyons with 17-year-old gelding Woodcroft Santa Cruz

Owner: rider

Breeder: Karl-Heinz Flach

Breeding: By Sandro Hit, out of a mare by Airport

Non-travelling reserve:

Grade III

Kate Kerr-Horan with 10-year-old gelding Lykkebo’s Don Akino

Owner: Ted Horan, Pam and Kate Kerr-Horan, and Loui Porter

Breeder: Helle Muller

Breeding: By Blue Hors Don Olymbrio, out of a mare by Michellino

“With the athletes selected it gives us the opportunity to field a team of rising young talent, with Clodagh at her first major championships, Katie and Jessica both on new horses for the Europeans and Angela brings forward a depth of experience of being involved in the sport for so long,” said Simone Hession.

“I’d like to thank all the athletes’ teams, team vet Seamus Mc Sorley and Horse Sport Ireland for their continued support.”

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There is a growing demand for a digital equine passport system across Europe – as equestrian leaders say “this is about more than sport”.

On 4 June, stakeholders from organisations including the FEI, World Horse Welfare, the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) and Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) met at the European parliament to discuss revision of EU animal health law and equine identification. The European Commission is evaluating whether its animal health law, which includes rules on equine ID, is still fit for purpose; a decision on whether or not to update it is due in early 2026.

Jessica Stark, World Horse Welfare director of communications and public affairs, highlighted recent high-profile horse smuggling cases to illustrate “how the current paper-based system is not fit for purpose”.

“We must grab this opportunity to make equine identification across Europe fit for purpose,” she told H&H. “The meeting showed there is huge support for this change across the European horse world – from sport to breeding to leisure to tourism – all calling for a digital-first system to ensure horses are truly traceable.

“We need a digital system that connects across Europe, and is accessible by authorities in European countries. Updating the animal health law is our only chance of achieving this.”

EEF president Quentin Simonet told H&H the federation supports a digital system and “sees interest at a global stage”.

“Such evolution would not only provide a more efficient and secure way to follow the identity, health status and movements of horses throughout their careers and lives, but would also play a vital role in protecting animal health, ensuring compliance with welfare standards and supporting cross-border mobility,” he said.

“This initiative is particularly relevant in light of the ongoing evaluation of the animal health law review, which offers a unique opportunity to modernise the framework for equine traceability. This would help to close existing gaps between national systems and remove loopholes that the current paper version cannot fully address.”

At the meeting, FEI veterinary and welfare director Göran Åkerström presented on the FEI’s digital passport initiative – announced at the FEI General Assembly in November. The digital passport integrates features such as health documentation and journey logs, and enables real-time tracking and verification.

“The global veterinary community is moving towards electronic certification and identification, and the FEI’s digital passport is fully aligned with this. We are working closely with the World Organisation for Animal Health to ensure our system meets international standards, while also addressing broader societal needs,” Mr Åkerström told H&H.

“This is about more than equestrian sport. It is about public trust, food chain integrity, and supporting the ‘One Health’ agenda, which recognises the interconnected health of animals, people and the environment. Enhanced records of antibiotics used plays a critical role in tackling antimicrobial resistance by supporting the responsible use of antibiotics.”

Mr Åkerström said the FEI is “actively advocating” for EU legislation to replace “outdated passports with a digital system” – and “what the FEI is presenting is not only robust and user-focused, but offers enhanced functionality compared to existing options”.

Fine Gael MEP Nina Carberry, who co-chairs the European Parliament’s Horse Group and hosted this meeting, believes Ireland Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s (DAFM) equine action plan – in response to Professor Paddy Wall’s report highlighting the urgent need for reform in equine identification in Ireland (news, 27 March) – could “serve as a model for other member states”.

“The current paper-based passport system across Europe remains vulnerable to fraud undermining both animal welfare and public trust. Most horses are not traceable,” said Ms Carberry at the meeting.

“I believe we are moving in the right direction. Despite Brexit, we are continuing to work together to find solutions for data sharing and horse movement between jurisdictions. This collaboration is essential, not only for Ireland, but as a potential model for broader EU action. If we can coordinate efforts across Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, then surely we can do so across the EU.”

Sonja Egan, HSI’s head of breeding, innovation and development, told H&H that the equine sectors in Ireland and across Europe have “faced well-known equine traceability challenges” and that HSI would “advocate for a system integrating central equine databases across EU member states”.

“HSI continues to implement innovative systems such as the Horse Source e-passport system and the genetic database software with the aim of continually improving the traceability of horses,” she said.

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A new equine traceability system is to be introduced in Ireland, as the country’s equine census takes place.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) announced that the 2024 census is the “first step” towards the introduction of a new traceability system, so it was “vitally important” keepers complete the return.

The mandatory census takes place annually – those who do not return it are “committing an offence and may not be eligible for payments under DAFM equine-related schemes”. In addition for 2024, the DAFM states that failure to return the census may, in future, prevent keepers from being able to register foals and export and sell horses.

The DAFM said the census was to be completed on 30 November and submitted by 20 December.

A DAFM spokesperson told H&H that former Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) chairman Paddy Wall, a professor of public health in University College Dublin (UCD) and a member of the UCD Institute for Food and Health, has been tasked with carrying out a review of the equine traceability system in Ireland and his recommendations are expected shortly. Following this, further details of the new system will be announced.

The keeper of every premises, where any equines are kept as at 30 November, should complete the census, including livery yard owners on behalf of the horses kept there.

Information recorded includes how many equines permanently live at the holding, the number of those who have passports and the number yet to be issued passports (typically foals). Universal equine life numbers and microchip numbers should also be included.

H&H reported on breeders’ concerns about delays in receiving new HSI foal passports, with backlogs reported following the launch of a new online passport system “designed to simplify and enhance the process” (news, 21 November).

At the time, HSI acknowledged the concerns and said it was “working tirelessly” clearing the backlog, which had been caused by the volume of applications received in the few weeks of the new system. As at 29 November, of 6,101 applications received, 2,057 passports had been issued.

Breeder Emily Cooper, who has now received the two foal passports she applied for at the end of July, told H&H the census and new traceability system are “incredibly important” – but said there has been a lack of communication overall.

“I was lucky to receive my passports in time, but there has been poor communication from HSI on how to complete the census if you don’t have your passport,” she said.

“I appreciate there is more information coming from the DAFM about the new traceability system, but I hope there will be meetings so there can be discussions on how it’s managed. My fear is that we’ll run into another car crash.”

HSI told H&H the census is a DAFM initiative and all queries should be directed to DAFM. A DAFM spokesperson added that the census recognises that horses might be awaiting a passport and this should be indicated on the form.

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Concerns have been raised that Irish breeders’ reputations are being “destroyed” over foal passport delays.

This summer Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) launched its new online passport system, HorseSource, to replace paper registration. HSI said the system, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine (DAFM), was “designed to simplify and enhance the process” and would be “a significant leap forward”.

But months on, breeders have told H&H the system is not working – and they are unable to proceed with sales as they are waiting for passports.

On 15 November HSI confirmed 5,765 foal passport applications had been received through HorseSource including full pedigree (which require DNA samples) and non-pedigree. Of those, 1,268 passports have been issued.

Breeder Emily Cooper submitted two applications at the end of July but the passports had not arrived by 15 November. She told H&H that for one foal, she was asked to submit DNA three times.

“Both my foals are sold, but they have to stay with me because I can’t legally send them anywhere,” she said.

“I’ve called HSI every week and had no real explanation of when I might expect my passports. I can’t book transport, I can’t do anything – it’s unfair on the purchaser. If you were an international buyer, wouldn’t you start hesitating to buy here? There’s a global market, they don’t have to rely on Ireland – and this is destroying our reputation.

“A clear plan is urgently needed with ongoing communication, specific timelines and regular updates to regain trust.”

Breeder Ronan Rothwell told H&H he is waiting for more than 20 passports for 2024 foals. He said problems existed before the new system, and he is still waiting for one passport from 2023.

“Last September I ran an online auction and foals sold abroad couldn’t travel until I received the passports, and I still had foals here waiting in April,” he said.

“All I could say was ‘I don’t have the passports’ – but I couldn’t say when I would have them. The same clients bought at the auction again this year, and I explained there was a new online system and things would be different – now they have two foals ready to go and I’m waiting on the passports.”

Walter Kent, chairman of the Stallion Owners Society, has called on DAFM to look into the situation.

“We were assured by HSI the new system would work, but now breeders are being blamed for sending their applications and DNA too quickly. Why start this system at the start of the breeding season – the backlog was always going to be there, HSI should have known.”

An HSI spokesperson told H&H the organisation “understands the concerns” and staff are “working tirelessly” clearing the backlog. He said it was necessary to pause applications under the old system while 500,000 records migrated to HorseSource – and this exacerbated the volume of applications received in the first few weeks of the new system, which has taken “longer to work through than anticipated”.

“There was an underestimation on the part of HSI as to the number of breeders instantly migrating to the new system. We apologise to breeders and want to assure them that we are working hard on completing these applications as quickly as possible,” he said.

The spokesperson said it was not possible to comment on individual cases without knowing specific application details, but “in keeping with usual processing”, a small number of applications have been asked to resubmit DNA samples as the laboratory could not verify parentage from the sample.

He added that there are a “very small number” of 2023 applications being processed – and HSI is working with the breeders to resolve these.

The spokesperson said HSI provided an update on timelines on 6 November through HorseSource – and will be providing updated application figures fortnightly.

H&H has contacted DAFM for comment.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Irish eventing high performance director Dag Albert said it is “an honour and a privilege” to lead his team to Paris, as the Irish Olympic eventing entries are confirmed.

Horse Sport Ireland was “delighted” to confirm the team of three and alternate who will travel to the Paris Olympics next month.

The horses and riders, listed in alphabetical order, are:

Irish Olympic eventing entries

Susie Berry with 11-year-old Wellfields Lincoln

Owners: Sue Wilkinson and Anne Marling

Breeder: Emma Humphreys

Breeding: by Luidam, out of a mare by Priolo

Sarah Ennis with 10-year-old Action Lady M

Owners: Andrew Cox and Susanne Macken

Breeder: Susanne Macken

Breeding: by Plot Blue, out of a mare by Acorado

Austin O’Connor with 15-year-old Colorado Blue

Owners: the Salty Syndicate and rider

Breeder: Mellon Stud

Breeding: by Jaguar Mail, out of a mare by Rock Kind

The alternate is Aoife Clark with 11-year-old Sportsfield Freelance

Owners: the Freelance Syndicate

Breeder: Sharon Hallahan

Breeding: by Da Vinci, out of a mare by Fresh Breeze XX

Dag Albert said: “It is an honour and privilege to be leading the Irish team into the Paris Olympic Games this summer and I’m absolutely delighted with the athletes and their horses, who have been raising their performances week-on-week as we have gotten to this point in the selection process.

“The strength and depth we have in Irish eventing currently is probably at its highest ever and it made the decision difficult, as the athletes and their horses really pushed each other to make it to Paris.

“It is a huge undertaking for themselves to reach this level and also their teams at home to have the horses performing at the levels required to reach an Olympic Games – I’m extremely proud of them all.

“I must thank Horse Sport Ireland, Sport Ireland and the Olympic Federation of Ireland for all their support of the team and riders, and of course the eventing community in Ireland for always backing us.”

The following combinations have been selected as team alternates and are listed in alphabetical order:

• Ian Cassells with Millridge Atlantis, owned by Fiona and Gerry Leahy
• Robbie Kearns with Ballyvillane OBOS, owned by Richard Ames
• Jennifer Kuehnle with Polly Blue Eyes, owned by Hans Kuehnle
• Lucy Latta with RCA Patron Saint, owned by Lesley, David and Alison Crampton
• Padraig McCarthy with Pomp N Circumstance, owned by Rachel and Sarah Gough
• Joseph Murphy with Calmaro, owned by Richard and Tanya Ames, Claire and Charlie Mayne and Annette O’Callaghan
• Austin O’Connor with Isazsa, owned by Lesley Rose
• Sam Watson with Ballyneety Rocketman (ISH), owned by Sam and his wife Hannah

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Top coach Sally Corscadden has spoken of her “relief” to have been cleared of rapping following drawn-out proceedings lasting 21 months.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) released a summary of the findings of Justice Frank Clarke’s investigation involving Ms Corscadden, in her capacity as Irish eventing high performance director, on 20 September.

Justice Clarke found that “it could not be said that Ms Corscadden sanctioned a breach of the rapping rule in the course of training taking place under her control”.

Ms Corscadden told H&H she welcomes “the eventual publication” of the findings.

“I cherish my reputation for being ever vigilant as regards horse welfare. I passionately believe that you need a happy and confident horse to perform to its full abilities and the trainers I used share my beliefs,” she said.

“I abhor the practice of rapping and condemn it outright, so, imagine my shock and hurt, when it was alleged that I had overseen coaching sessions that could even [have] been construed as rapping.”

Justice Clarke was engaged by HSI to investigate whether or not a metal bar training practice “adopted by, or at least under the control of” Ms Corscadden amounted to a breach of FEI rules and as such a breach of her employment contract with HSI. This practice involves placing a metal bar on top of a showjump.

“The sessions delivered by an internationally recognised coach were designed to increase the focus and concentration of the horse jumping the fence by aural means with zero consequence of anything injurious occurring for a horse,” said Ms Corscadden.

“Of course, I appreciate that an imperative for Horse Sport Ireland is to ensure any allegations regarding horse welfare must be investigated, but how it took 21 months to complete the investigations is difficult to fathom, but I am relieved the matter is now closed and I have been cleared.

“I fully and unreservedly accept all the findings of Justice Clarke including his finding that I should have advised HSI about the format of these sessions. I would never, ever engage in anything that would bring the sport I love, eventing, into disrepute.”

She added: “As this matter is now officially closed, and the FEI has stated I should face no further investigation on this matter, I look forward to Horse Sport Ireland advising all of us in the sport of eventing how we now move forward.

“Though I am officially reinstated as the high-performance director, eventing; Horse Sport Ireland has yet to officially inform me that the restrictions it imposed on me are lifted and I expect that will now be an urgent matter for HSI.”

This investigation followed a previous one by Susan Ahern, a barrister who specialises in sports law, which concluded last summer and in which Ms Corscadden was also cleared of rapping.

Justice Clarke’s report focused on two main points. The first was the “central allegation of rapping”, where Justice Clarke found that “it could not be said that Ms Corscadden sanctioned a breach of the rapping rule in the course of training taking place under her control”.

“It was not sufficiently clear that the practice was rapping to justify a finding of breach of contract,” added Justice Clarke. “It is important to emphasise that the substantive report concluded that the evidence that the practice would cause unnecessary pain or discomfort to a horse was inconclusive.”

The second picked up on the Ahern report, and looked into whether or not Ms Corscadden was “in breach of her contract of employment by not drawing the attention of HSI to the fact that the metal bar training practice was also in use, when an investigation into not entirely dissimilar training methods was in train”.

Justice Clarke considered “that to have been a breach of her obligation of trust and confidence,” but added that “the breach concerned was not at the most serious end”.

In a letter H&H has had sight of, Ms Corscadden’s legal team notes that this was not an intentional decision, rather that she did not appreciate its relevance in the context of an inquiry into a specific allegation of rapping.

Justice Clarke concluded: “I am not of the view that Ms Corscadden can be held to have been in breach of her contract of employment with HSI by reason of permitting breaches of FEI rules to take place during training over which she had general control.

“I am, however, of the view that Ms Corscadden was in breach of her contract of employment by not drawing the attention of HSI to the fact that the metal bar training practice was also in use, when an investigation into not entirely dissimilar training methods was in train. I consider that to have been a breach of her obligation of trust and confidence.”

He recommended a written final warning as an appropriate sanction.

H&H has approached HSI for comment.

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The equestrian industry must make better decisions to reduce its environmental impact – and act as “guardians of the landscape”.

Water company United Utilities is collaborating with horse owners to help improve their land management, with the view of helping their equines – and protecting water sources.

United Utilities catchment manager Kate Snow told H&H equestrians can play their part in helping the environment by considering things such as their grazing practices, the location of their muck heaps, and the use of chemicals and fertilisers. The company is hosting three free events (28 January, 7 and 28 February) at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre in Cheshire, where owners can hear from land management experts and equine professionals on the topic.

“We want to encourage owners to act responsibly,” said Dr Snow. “Looking at a piece of land, some people might just think of it as somewhere to turn their horse out, rather than considering the environment. And many people don’t know that what they’re doing potentially could be having an impact.

“No one is saying anyone is doing anything [negative] on purpose, but it’s raising awareness of what you can do. For example, simply moving your muck to a different part of the field can make a considerable difference, or making sure the person you use to take the muck away is acting responsibly and spreading it as part of a nutrient management plan, and not just dumping it.”

British Equestrian (BEF) has launched a new five-month environmental sustainability project with Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), in collaboration with sustainability agency White Griffin. The European Equestrian Federation will also be a project stakeholder.

White Griffin will conduct interviews with BEF and HSI member bodies and the wider equine community, about how sustainability impacts them, what work is being carried out, concerns, and the way forward, with the aim of reaching “as many people involved in the industry as possible.”

White Griffin project lead Ruth Dancer told H&H the work will lead to recommendations and a “strategic roadmap”, to support the federations with the risks that climate change will present in the coming years, and their “ongoing responsible stewardship of the land”.

“The climate crisis impacts everything that this sector does and in turn, the sector impacts upon it. Through this work we hope to demonstrate ways the industry can positively impact the environment while crucially safeguarding the future of equestrianism and equestrian sports,” she said.

BEF chief executive Jim Eyre added that the industry has a “collective responsibility” for the environment, to ensure a sustainable future.

“As a sector so integrated and reliant on nature and the countryside, we must make better informed decisions to reduce our environmental impact wherever we can and act as guardians of the landscape,” he said.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Two team combinations and a travelling reserve have withdrawn from the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships, ahead of the first day of competition tomorrow (10 August).

Ireland’s Darragh Kenny and VDL Cartello had to withdraw this morning (9 August) after the 15-year-old stallion developed a “veterinary issue”. The horse, owned by Heathman Farm LLC, had passed the first trot-up yesterday.

A Horse Sport Ireland spokesman said following a discussion between the team’s high performance director Michael Blake and team vet Marcus Swail, the decision was taken to withdraw VDL Cartello. Bertram Allen will now step up to the team with 10-year-old Pacino Amiro, his ride at the Tokyo Games. They join teammates Daniel Coyle and Legacy, Cian O’Connor and C Vier 2, and Denis Lynch and Brooklyn Heights.

After the trot-up yesterday H&H reported that five horses had been asked to represent for the veterinary commission today owing to some “uncertainties”. Of those five, two did not come forwards this morning; USA travelling reserve Jessica Springsteen’s ride RMF Zecilie, and Rene Lopez Lizarazo’s team ride Kheros Van’t Hoogeinde for Columbia. The other three horses – Quel Filou 13, the ride of Frenchman Matthieu Billot, Chepettano for Polish rider Maksymilian, and Israeli rider Daniel Bluman’s Ladriano Z – passed on representation and will start tomorrow.

The USA and Columbia brought five combinations each to Herning and therefore both countries will still go forward with a full team of four.

USA:

Lillie Keenan with 12-year-old gelding Argan De Beliard

Brian Moggre with 16-year-old stallion Balou Du Reventon

Adrienne Sternlicht with 14-year-old mare Cristalline

McLain Ward with 13-year-old gelding Contagious

Columbia:

Santiago Diaz Ortega with 10-year-old gelding Chasandro BoyCarlos Ramirez with 12-year-old gelding Extra Des SequoiasCamilo Reuda with 14-year-old gelding Indus Van Het KeysereyckRoberton Tera Tafur with 14-year-old stallion Dez’ Ooktoff

The World Showjumping Championships action gets under way tomorrow, with the first round of the individual and team competition. The second rounds take place on Thursday, and the team medals will be decided on Friday evening. The individual final takes place on Sunday.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Irish team has been revealed for the dressage World Championships in Herning, Denmark, this August.

Four riders have been selected, including three championship first-timers, in the first championship dressage team Ireland has fielded since 2019.

The combinations selected for the Irish team at the dressage World Championships are:

Alex Baker with 14-year-old gelding DutchmanOwner: Daniel Champion and Alex, Carol and Tim BakerBreeder: J. MuilwijkBreeding: by Jazz, out of Imagine, by Fantast

Sorrell Klatzko with nine-year-old stallion TurboOwner: Sorrell Klatzko and Janine ShoffnerBreeder: Gudrun Isenbeck-GeueBreeding: by Totilas, out of Falbala, by Florestan I

Abi Lyle with 11-year-old gelding GiraldoOwner: Abi LyleBreeder: G. EgginkBreeding: by Rousseau, out of Valenza, by Flemmingh

Anna Merveldt with 13-year-old stallion EsporimOwner: Mario Greco, Eleonore Higgins, Michael Higgins and Giovanna MazzaBreeder: Coudelaria Do Monte VelhoBreeding: by Pagao, out of Lequita, by Quiaz

Abi also has the 11-year-old Farrell, owned by Fenella Quinn, as a reserve. Dane Rawlins with Espoire have been named as a non-travelling reserve.

“The aim in Herning is a top-12 finish with each combination performing their best with a view to improving as we move towards the Europeans in 2023, and the ultimate objective of qualification for Paris 2024,” said Horse Sport Ireland’s dressage high-performance director, Johann Hinnemann.

Absent from Herning will be Ireland’s sole dressage representative from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Heike Holstein, after it was revealed that her top horse, the home-bred mare Sambuca, has been sold to America.

“A new chapter begins today for beautiful Sambuca,” said Heike. “I am so proud of her and all we have achieved together. To train and ride a horse that is home-bred all the way to the Olympics was a dream come true for me. I wish her lovely new owners the very best of luck and I hope to see them on the international stage soon. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on our incredible journey.”

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CLARIFICATION on how to update Irish-bred horses’ passports following Brexit has now been provided after months of confusion – but owners will still face difficulty obtaining a duplicate passport.

Before Brexit, owners of horses bred in Ireland but living in the UK could send their passports to Irish passport-issuing organisations (PIOs) for updates such as ownership and name changes – as well as upgrading identification documents to a studbook passport. But this came to a halt this year as the European Breeding Regulation no longer applies in the UK since it departed the EU.

Much confusion and frustration has arisen with owners who have been unable to update their horses’ passports, and in early May a Defra spokesman told H&H that Defra and Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) had been working together to provide guidance on the situation – and this would be available “shortly”.

On 10 June Defra and DAFM issued joint guidance confirming that all Republic of Ireland PIOs can still process “certain” updates for passports they had issued. These include change of ownership, microchip details, changes to name and food-chain status. Defra also confirmed to H&H that UK PIOs may also process these updates “if necessary”.

A DAFM spokesman told H&H the guidance was drafted to address “uncertainties” experienced following Britain’s exit from the EU and the purpose is to establish processes to ensure the most up-to-date identification data relating to these equines is recorded on both the Irish and UK central equine databases, so “protecting the integrity of the food chain” in both jurisdictions.

But under the new guidance, only Republic of Ireland PIOs whose studbooks have been granted an extension of breeding territory from Defra under post-Brexit requirements (news, 8 April 2021) can issue new, duplicate or reissue passports to Irish-bred horses living in the UK – even if the original passport was issued by that PIO. The only Irish programme that has a UK-approved EU extended breeding programme is the Kerry Bog Pony Cooperative Society.

A Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) spokesman said studbooks operated by HSI were “declined” extension of breeding territory from Defra on the basis that equivalent breeding programmes are in operation in Great Britain. This means HSI cannot issue passports in the UK, but can continue to provide services including changes of ownership, name changes, and insertion of vaccination pages.

“The reduction in permitted HSI passporting services to Great Britain is extremely regrettable and disappointing for the Irish sport horse industry,” said the spokesman. “These changes are a direct result of Brexit and the fact that Great Britain now operates outside the EU legislative framework and within domestic legislation.”

H&H has contacted Defra, DAFM and HSI to confirm where UK owners can obtain duplicate HSI passports going forward.

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Potential medallists Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua will not start the Olympic eventing competition at the Tokyo Games in a major shake-up to the Irish Olympic eventing team.

Rioghan Rua passed the first horse inspection, but in a statement this afternoon (29 July) Horse Sport Ireland said Cathal had been forced to withdraw the mare before the dressage for “veterinary reasons”.

Cathal will be replaced by alternate Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue, whom he co-owns with the Salty Syndicate. The team will not incur a penalty for the substitution as it is taking place before the competition starts.

A spokesman for Horse Sport Ireland said Cathal and Rioghan Rua will now revert to being the reserve combination and can be called upon if required later in the competition – “only if the veterinary report improves”.

Cathal and Rioghan Rua have been a partnership since 2013 when Cathal was 16. The pair were part of the gold medal-winning team at the junior European Championships in 2013 and 2014, and have gone from strength to strength at senior level. In 2019 the pair won individual bronze at the 2019 European Championships at Luhmühlen.

“Obviously this is really tough for Cathal and for Rioghan Rua’s owner and breeder Margaret Kinsella, particularly with it happening so close to the start of the competition. We did everything we could and gave the mare every chance to be ready, but unfortunately we were forced to make a decision and, of course, horse welfare is always paramount for everyone,” said Sally Corscadden, Irish eventing team manager.

“Austin now steps in and he is ready to go. We are very lucky to have someone of Austin’s calibre to step in, he is in great form, we still have a very strong team and are looking forward to the start of competition.”

Austin joins Sam Watson on Tullabeg Flamenco and Sarah Ennis and Woodcourt Garrison on the team.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Hope is fading in the fight for the Irish dressage team’s place at the Tokyo Olympics as a further appeal is dismissed.

Tokyo marked the first time Ireland had qualified a dressage team for an Olympics, but news broke on 21 June – the deadline day for Olympic entries – that Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) had decided not to take up the place.

The decision, which was attributed to HSI’s dressage high performance director Johann Hinnemann and accepted by the HSI board, was met with backlash. While several of Ireland’s “leading lights” are not available for the Games, there are enough combinations who have achieved the Olympic minimum eligibility requirements (MERs) to compete.

The case hinged on Mr Hinnemann’s decision, which the original HSI release said was because two combinations had not met extra criteria set by Mr Hinnemann in addition to the Olympic MERs.

Riders Dane Rawlins and James Connor launched an appeal over the decision, which found partly in their favour but ultimately upheld the HSI standpoint not to send a team. The pair then challenged the decision by independent arbitrator Dermot Kelly SC last week. But it was announced on Friday evening (2 July) that this second appeal was also unsuccessful.

“We lost. Thanks for the support. Time to move on,” Dane said on social media that night.

Dressage Ireland chairman Marguerite Kavanagh added that “there are no winners”.

“The sport has lost and fair play for riders to make a timely appeal disregarded,” she said.

“However in the appellants bringing the case it will help ensure that more thought is given in the future and processes correctly followed to ensure fairness in all aspects of governance relating to our sport into the future.”

An HSI statement said the organisation “welcomes the decision of David Sharpe SC, the independent arbitrator nominated by Sport Dispute Solutions Ireland, to uphold the decision of Horse Sport Ireland with regard to the dressage team event at the Tokyo Olympics.”

“The independent arbitrator dismissed the appeal of both Mr Rawlings and Mr Connor. This is the second independent arbitrator to dismiss their appeal in the last 72 hours,” it added.

“The arbitrator found that the selection process was conducted fairly… In the arbitrator’s view there was an athlete nomination policy in place and the requirements in the nomination policy were simply not met. Any suggestion that the process was unfair was not made out.”

The statement added that the Olympic selection process has been in place since 2019 and was “widely communicated to all relevant athletes”.

“In the interests of the dressage community and the sport horse industry, Horse Sport Ireland waived its right to seek costs in the matter,” it concluded.

Article continues below…

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Any final hope rests on Dressage Ireland’s plea to Ireland’s minister for sport or the Olympic Council to intervene in time for today’s (5 July) deadline for definite entries for the Games.

As it currently stands, Ireland’s team spot has passed to Belgium, who last fielded an Olympic dressage team in 1928. Ireland retains an individual place, with Heike Holstein and Sambuca named on the FEI’s nominated entries list as of 29 June.

The Tokyo Olympic Games open on 23 July, with the first day of Olympic dressage competition being the grand prix on 24 July.

• What do you think about this situation? Share your thoughts with us at hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, local town and county and your comments could be published in the letters page of Horse & Hound magazine, plus you’ll have the chance to win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger if you’re chosen as our letter of the week

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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The fight over the Irish dressage team’s place at the Tokyo Olympics continues with just over three weeks to go until the competition starts.

In a situation that has had seen many twists and turns, a fresh appeal has been launched over the ruling by an independent arbitrator to uphold Horse Sport Ireland’s (HSI) decision not to send an Olympic dressage team to the Games.

Irish riders made history at the 2019 European Championships, when they qualified for a team place at the Olympics for the first time.

But HSI announced on 21 June that dressage high performance director Johann Hinnemann had taken the decision not to nominate a dressage team to the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) for the Tokyo Games.

Irish riders James Connor and Dane Rawlins appealed the decision.

“We are fit, our horses are fit and prepared – we are eligible and qualified and want to go,” Dane told H&H last week.

The “lengthy” hearing was held via video link on Monday (28 June) before independent arbitrator Dermot Kelly SC, who upheld HSI’s decision not to send a team.

“The [dressage high performance director] gave very full and careful consideration to all the factors set out in the nomination policy,” stated Mr Kelly in his decision.

However the outcome was not entirely straightforward.

Article continues below…

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Dane told H&H that the arbitrator ruled in the riders’ favour over a dispute surrounding minimum eligibility (MER) criteria, meaning that they could be entered. This arose as the riders have all achieved the MERs in order to compete at Tokyo, but HSI had extra selection criteria on top of this that not all combinations have reached.

But the arbitrator’s decision to uphold the HSI decision not to send a dressage team remains a major stumbling block in combinations’ hopes of a team place at Tokyo. Mr Rawlins said he is appealing this decision.

As it currently stands, Ireland retains one individual spot, with Heike Holstein and Sambuca named on the FEI’s nominated entries list, dated 29 June.The team place moves instead to Belgium, who last sent a dressage team to an Olympics in 1928.

“After Ireland renounces team participation in the Olympic Games, and first reserve Luxembourg cannot present the necessary qualifications, Belgium still gets the chance for the second time in history,” said a statement from the Belgian equestrian federation.

Olympic dressage horses are set to go into quarantine next week and fly on 14 July, with the first day of grand prix held on 24 July.

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Irish riders are appealing the “bitterly disappointing” news that an Olympic dressage team will not be sent to the Tokyo Games.

Ireland made history in 2019 when its riders secured the nation’s first ever team spot in the Olympic dressage competition, as a result of their performance at the European Championships in Rotterdam.

But cold water has been thrown on the excitement of Ireland’s fielding a team in all three equestrian disciplines at the Tokyo Games following an announcement from Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) last night (21 June).

The statement said HSI’s dressage high performance director Johann Hinnermann “has taken the decision not to nominate a dressage team” to the Olympic Federation of Ireland for Tokyo.

The news has been met with frustration, and an appeal has since been lodged.

The HSI statement added: “This decision was taken as several key members of the Irish team that had qualified for the Games are unfortunately no longer available for selection due to a combination of horse retirement, veterinary and medical reasons.”

Judy Reynolds, Ireland’s leading dressage rider, was ruled out of the Games when she announced the retirement of her Rio Olympic partner Vancouver K. Kate Dwyer has withdrawn from selection, as she is pregnant, and Anna Merveldt is also out of contention.

But there are enough combinations who have achieved the Olympic minimum eligibility requirements (MERs) for the nation to field a team.

Irish Olympic contender Dane Rawlins, who is appealing the decision, told H&H this is “bitterly disappointing” when you “think your chance has come”.

“We are fit, our horses are fit and prepared – we are eligible and qualified and want to go,” he said.

“The sport in Ireland has grown so much that even though we have lost out leading lights we have a second team.

“We are all very supportive of dressage in Ireland and Dressage Ireland is very supportive of us.”

He added that they are a strong second side, and the Olympic contenders have been travelling across nations to shows to prove themselves and have achieved the MERs – only to now be told they cannot go.

“It’s a real shame to have lost the leading lights, because they all deserved their place,” he said, adding that this is a part of sport. “But that means that nobody else gets to go?

“The Olympics particularly are about participation – the whole idea of the new rules having three on a team is to increase participation.”

He said allowing the Irish team the chance to go to Tokyo is as much about the future of the sport in the country as it is about the riders who have worked to get there.

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The HSI statement continued: “In consideration of the remaining qualified combinations, the dressage high performance director (HPD), Johann Hinnemann reviewed his Olympic nominations policy for dressage as against the combinations available.

“Director Hinnemann advised the board that two combinations have not met the specific criteria as set by the HPD, and as such, the HPD is not in a position to nominate these combinations. The resulting consequence being a team of three athlete/horse combinations cannot be fulfilled.

“The board of Horse Sport Ireland has decided, following careful deliberation, to accept the technical guidance of the HPD and formally withdraw the dressage team quota allocation with the national Olympic federation, and our international federation, the FEI.

“This difficult decision was founded on rational performance considerations and an informed technical position of our retained dressage expert Johann Hinnemann.

“Horse Sport Ireland understands that the IRL qualified combinations will be eligible pursuant to the reallocation of individual quota places, and that one individual Olympic quota place may be offered to IRL. Horse Sport Ireland understands that a final decision on the of reallocation of individual places will be known later this week. If this is the case, Horse Sport Ireland intends to avail of this position.”

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The list of nominated entries for the Olympic eventing team due to represent Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics, plus the alternate horse and rider and reserve combination, have been announced.

The list of five, which comprises of the three nominated combinations for the team, an alternate and a reserve, was put forward by Horse Sport Ireland’s eventing high performance director Sally Corscadden.

The full list of nominated horse and rider combinations for the Irish Olympic eventing squad is as follows:

• Cathal Daniels, with Margaret Kinsella’s 14-year-old mare Rioghan Rua (breeder: Margaret Kinsella)
• Sarah Ennis, with Breda Kennedy’s 12-year-old with gelding Horseware Woodcourt Garrison (breeder: Patrick J Kearns)
• Sam Watson, with Vahe Bogossian’s 11-year-old gelding Tullabeg Flamenco (breeder: Nicholas Cousins)
• Alternate combination – Austin O’Connor, with his own and the Salty Syndicate’s 11-year-old gelding Colorado Blue (breeder: Mellon Stud)
• Reserve combination– Joseph Murphy, with the Way Forward Syndicate’s Cesar V (breeder: Elke & Robert Vietor)

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The names have been submitted to be considered for selection by the Olympic Federation of Ireland and the official selection of horses and riders for Tokyo will be made by this “in the coming days”.

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The Olympic showjumping team of three riders, plus the alternate combination and reserve, due to represent Ireland at this summer’s Olympic showjumping in Tokyo have been revealed.

The announcement is Horse Sport Ireland’s showjumping high performance director Michael Blake’s nominations for the Games, which are to be officially considered for selection by the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

The nominations are as follows:

• Bertram Allen, with Aiden McGrory’s nine-year-old gelding Pacino Amiro (breeder: Simon Scott)
• Darragh Kenny, with Lorcan Gallagher & Heathman Farm LLC’s 14-year-old stallion VDL Cartello (breeder: Witt Pferdezucht)
• Cian O’Connor, with Susan Magnier’s nine-year-old gelding Kilkenny (breeder Sinead Brennan)
• Alternate – Shane Sweetnam, with his own and Seabrook LLC’s 11-year-old mare Karlin Van’t Vennehof (breeder: Jos Voeten)
• Reserve – Michael Duffy, with Katherine Duffy and HMF Equestrian’s 10-year-old gelding Zilton SL Z (Breeder: Peter Schollaert)

The official selection of the horse and rider combinations for Tokyo will be made by the Irish Olympic federation in the coming days.

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As some countries start to relax their lockdown restrictions, H&H reports on the plans national federations are putting in place to enable equestrian sporting activities to resume...

National federations have been working with governments to ensure equestrianism can be among the first sports to get going once lockdown is eased.

Events at all levels and in all sports have been cancelled owing to the coronavirus pandemic, but British Equestrian (BEF) and Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) are among the bodies that have been working with decision-makers on how events could be run when safe.

A BEF spokesman told H&H this is a complicated process as a number of stakeholders are involved.

“We’re working on it,” she said. “We’ve been having constant dialogue with government via UK Sport and the Sport and Recreation Alliance throughout, so the process towards resumption has never really stopped.”

The spokesman added that different BEF member bodies have been working on individual plans for resumption, and that the federation will use these for its overall umbrella plan.

“All activities and sports are slightly different so we need their input – it’s not something we want to ‘dictate’ on but advise where it adds value for each to come up with workable and manageable plans and then we can be the glue to pull it together for the benefit of the industry,” she said.

HSI has delivered a “comprehensive submission” to government, aimed at “ensuring considered protocols and procedures can be put in place to allow an incremental resumption of equestrian activity, when current Covid-19 restrictions are lifted and it is deemed safe”.

HSI added that it has been “engaging with government and has advocated the uniqueness of equestrianism in the context of safe sport return”.

The document explains that as an outside, non-contact sport using privately owned venues and organisers used to carrying out risk assessments, it carries lower risk of virus spread than some.

It suggests comprehensive mitigation measures, such as temperature checks on arrival, closed-door show policies and hygiene stations, and sets out the impact the virus has had.

“The impact on our affiliate bodies, riding schools, pony clubs, show venues, has been immense with loss of show levies and income,” the document states.

“The cancellation of domestic events will also have an enormous effect on the progression of up-and-coming athletes, and the lack of opportunities to compete… is cause for concern.

“There is also significant risk that many of our affiliates and national equestrian establishments will be insolvent by the next quarter of this year due to loss of revenue from membership and entry fees, while costs associated with staff, rent, insurances and so on remain.”

It sets out equestrianism’s €816m (£717m) contribution to the economy, and raises concerns of possible negative effects of lack of work on some horses.

HSI chairman Joe Reynolds said: “HSI [has] responsibility for both the breeding and sport sectors of our industry and this gives us a unique perspective to present proposals for resumption of activities. It is important the sport horse community unites behind these proposals and speaks together with one voice on this.”

A spokesman for the UK government department of culture, media and sport told H&H the department held, last week, an “initial, constructive meeting with medical representatives from a number of professional and elite sports bodies, government and Public Health England to step up planning on what may need to be done so athletes could return to training, when it is deemed safe”.

She added: “This would be ahead of any return to competitive top-level sport which would only happen when medical experts advise that this can be done safely. Discussions with the sports bodies will continue on this.”

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Michael Blake has been appointed at Horse Sport Ireland’s showjumping team manager following the departure of Rodrigo Pessoa.

Mr Blake has been a key part of Irish showjumping’s senior squad in a number of roles, including serving as chef d’equipe at 18 international shows and assistant team manager at a further 43. He has also held the positions of Team Ireland senior development jumping manager and was previously involved in the management of Ireland’s medal-winning youth squads.

His official job title is high performance jumping director, incorporating the role of chef d’equipe, for the Irish senior showjumping team.

Mr Pessoa announced his departure in November, owing to the fact he is aiming to ride at the Tokyo 2020 Games for Brazil. Under his three-year tenure, Ireland won European team gold at the 2017 championships and secured their first team place at an Olympics in 16 years with a brilliant victory in the Longines FEI Nations Cup final at Barcelona in October.

After his appointment, Michael Blake said he is “delighted” to take on the role.

“It is a great honour and indeed a big responsibility to be entrusted with the task of being sole selector of our Olympic team,” he said, adding he will have back-up from many within HSI while he gives “all our top athletes every opportunity to prove themselves for selection”.

“I also want to place on record my appreciation of the owners who make their world-class horses available to Team Ireland,” he said.

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“This 32nd Olympiad is special for Ireland as we send three teams to compete in dressage, eventing and jumping.

“It is important that Ireland goes as a team to contest the three individual and three team equestrian competitions and we support each other’s disciplines in Tokyo.

“Over the course of the last three years and throughout the Olympic qualification process as assistant to Rodrigo Pessoa, a great team spirit was established among the 39 riders who competed for Team Ireland in showjumping.

“I want to maintain that team spirit and work it to our advantage. Ireland are the FEI Nations Cup champions, so we travel to Tokyo as real contenders.”

He thanked HSI for its “speedy but very extensive and exhaustive appointment process”.

“My job starts today to prepare us for the Olympics while ensuring the development of our athletes and our sport is maintained and improved,” he said.

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Rodrigo Pessoa is to step down as senior performance director of Ireland’s showjumping team in order to pursue a place jumping for Brazil at Tokyo 2020.

Joe Reynolds, chairman of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), said they recognised that representing your country at the Olympics was one of the “highest honours in sport” and wished Rodrigo “the very best” in his campaign.

“From an Irish perspective, his decision to seek a position on the Brazilian team, which will compete against Team Ireland in Tokyo, makes it impossible for him to continue as senior high performance jumping director,” he said.

Chairman of HSI’s senior high performance jumping committee Gerry Mullins paid tribute to Rodrigo’s expert guidance of the Irish squad, under which they have both qualified for the Olympics and secured a brilliant win the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona last month.

“He has played an historic part in the management of the team, was an integral part in the success of the team, and has been a valued and respected colleague during his term. We are all incredibly grateful to him for that,” he said.

Ronan Murphy, HSI’s chief executive added that the governing body was “genuinely disappointed” that Rodrigo would not be able to continue in his role.

“As a six-time Olympian, Rodrigo had an undeniable record to offer his home nation. Opportunities like that don’t come up very often and we wish him very well,” he said.

The Brazilian’s consultancy agreement expires at the end of November and HSI will shortly begin its process to appoint a replacement, whose tenure will include taking Ireland through the Tokyo games.

Rodrigo said he had enjoyed his three years as Ireland’s team manager and was “proud” to have helped them attain Olympic qualification.

“I will always be available as a support to the team in future,” he said. “I would like to thank the entire high performance committee and all the team at HSI. Last but not least, I have to thank all the riders and owners for their participation.”

Continued below…

‘Beyond proud’: Ireland wins the Nations Cup Final — and Olympic qualification

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In a statement on his website, Rodrigo explained that he left with a “feeling of fulfillment” having accomplished his primary mission to qualify for the games.

“On the road to qualification we picked up a European title that had eluded us for over 15 years,” he said. “I am very proud that we used more than 30 Irish riders in Nations Cups over the last three years. That is something not many countries can say they have done.”

He added that while he was not sure who his successor would be, he genuinely wished them “all the luck in the world”.

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The Irish para dressage team has been revealed ahead of next week’s FEI European Championships (21 to 25 August).

The three-strong team are on new rides for the championships, held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

This will also be the first senior championship appearance for two of the three Irish competitors.

Rosemary Gaffney heads the squad, with two previous European Championship appearances on her CV. The grade IV rider competed at the 2011 and 2013 events with Aldham Mill Dubloon and Ustero respectively.

She will ride the 10-year-old bay mare Werona, by Painted Black, in Rotterdam.

Rosemary is joined by Michael Murphy, grade I, and Tamsin Addison, grade V, who are both making their senior championship team debuts.

Michael rides the 15-year-old Danish warmblood Skjoldsgaard Hippo-VO, by His Highness, and Tamsin is aboard the 11-year-old daughter of Blue Hors Don Schufro, Donna Siesta.

Kate Kerr-Horan had also been entered but had to withdraw her ride Serafina T for veterinary reasons.

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Irish para dressage chef d’equipe Dara Kearney said Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to field “a very credible team for the European Championships”.

“They are all first season combinations and it is a testament to their hard work, commitment and dedication to their sport that they have met our criteria to compete,” she added.

“The European Championships are one of three major competitions on our calendar this year so it is vital for the future of this young squad to be there.

“I am very confident they will compete to their highest standard and gain much needed experience at this level.”

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European showjumping champions Ireland have named the squad aiming to retain the title — and secure Olympic qualification.

Horse Sport Ireland has announced the combinations that will travel to Rotterdam for the European Championships, which run from 19 to 25 August:

Darragh Kenny with Ann Thompson’s Balou du Reventon

Peter Moloney with team Harmony’s Chianti’s Champion

Cian O’Connor with Ronnoco Jump’s PSG Final

Paul O’Shea with Machu Picchu Partners’ Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu

Shane Sweetnam with Seabrook’s Alejandro

Cian and Shane were part of the 2017 gold medal-winning European squad in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Irish showjumping manager Rodrigo Pessoa is “hopeful” of securing one of the three Olympic team places on offer but knows it promises to be a “hard-fought battle”.

“We are aware of the importance of this event. This is what we have been waiting for now for a while. We have prolonged this by not qualifying last year so this is now our chance to do it,” he said.

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“We are very respectful of the nations we are competing against and we will be very focused on obtaining our qualification and fighting for a team medal.”

The first round of the team competition will take place on 22 August, with the team medals and three Olympic qualification places decided on 23 August.

Following the “hugely important” Europeans, a final Olympic qualifying opportunity will be on offer at the FEI Nations Cup World Final in Barcelona in October.

In this week’s magazine out on Thursday 1 August 2019, check out our full report from the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, including all the showing and showjumping action, plus expert comments and analysis. Also, read all about Mark Todd hanging up his eventing boots (again), and don’t miss this week’s ‘Vet clinic’ — what to expect from your ex-racehorse’s health and behaviour. We also investigate the risk of buying horses wrapped up in fraud, and read reports from across the disciplines, including eventing, racing, polo and more.

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Ireland has revealed a strong line-up for of the 2019 European Eventing Championships.

The squad features a mix of Olympians and World medallists, who will compete in Luhmühlen, Germany, from 29 August to 1 September.

Three of the four riders who helped Ireland to team silver at the 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Tryon are on the squad.

These are Sam Watson riding Imperial Sky or Tullabeg Flamenco, Cathal Daniels on Rioghan Rua, and Sarah Ennis with Woodcourt Garrison.

They are joined by Clare Abbott and her Rio 2016 Olympic ride Euro Prince, and Ciaran Glynn aboard November Night.

Horse Sport Ireland’s high performance eventing director, Sally Corscadden, said this year has been about building on Ireland’s Tryon success, where it was the first Irish sports team to secure Olympic qualification.

“The bar in European eventing is set very high, so we are sending experienced combinations to represent Team Ireland at the Europeans,” she said.

“We can be full of confidence going to Luhmühlen with four-star international wins from European squad member Sam Watson and a great team result last weekend at our home Nations Cup in Camphire [where Ireland finished second].

“Fellow European squad members Ciaran Glynn and Clare Abbott produced top-class performances in Badminton, and Sarah Ennis — part of the silver medal-winning WEG team — is a proven championship rider.

“We are in the lucky position to have our full WEG management team accompanying us to the Europeans, with the new addition of Grant Wilson, replacing Ian Fearon as showjumping coach.”

The full squad is as follows:

• Clare Abbott riding Cormac McKay’s Euro Prince
• Cathal Daniels riding Frank and Margaret Kinsella’s Rioghan Rua
• Sarah Ennis riding Breda Kennedy’s Woodcourt Garrison
• Ciaran Glynn riding Susanna Franke and Peter Cole’s November Night
• Sam Watson riding Cathy Byrne & Hannah Watson’s Imperial Sky orVahe Bogossian’s Tullabeg Flamenco

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After six months of painstaking paperwork, the Irish Olympic eventing team has flown 2.5 tonnes of equipment, feed and forage to Rio (28 July).

Horse Sport Ireland’s equestrian sports manager Triona Connors flew to Brazil on Wednesday (27 July) to ensure the essential equipment arrived safely.

She has spent the past six months in the head office in Co Kildare working on the logistics of getting to Rio.

Every minute ingredient in the horse feed has had to be declared to all the relevant authorities.

“We’ve everything ready and are confident our horses will be eating their usual feed according to plan in Rio,” said Elaine Hatton, Horse Sport Ireland’s director of international marketing.

All the veterinary medicine and equipment had to be sent in separate trunks to comply with the Olympic rules.

Before departure a full equipment and tack box check was completed to ensure all items are labelled and listed to help them be processed quickly on arrival at Brazilian customs.

All the equipment is due to clear customs in Rio and be at the equestrian venue in Deodora, Brazil before the horses arrive.

The horses were due to leave the Rio exit camp in Waresley Park Stud at 7am today (29 July) and head to Stansted airport where they will board the Olympic flight to Rio.

The flight is overseen by horse transport experts Peden Bloodstock and the horses are accompanied by team Ireland’s equestrian vet Hugh Suffern.

The horses are due to land in Rio at 3.20pm local time on Friday and will travel by road to the Olympic venue.

“The task of getting five horses, their equipment and support staff to Rio is not an easy one,” said Ms Hatton.

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The Irish eventing team hoping to win a medal in Rio is: Clare Abbott with Euro Prince (pictured, top), Jonty Evans with Cooley Rorkes Drift, Mark Kyle with Jemilla and Padraig McCarthy with Simon Porloe.

The travelling reserve is Camilla Speirs with Portersize Just A Jiff.

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Ireland has failed in its mission to secure a place at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games for its showjumping team, after an appeal was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Rider Cian O’Connor and Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) appeared at CAS in Lausanne, Switzerland, last month (16 December), appealing against a decision made at the 2015 European Championships.

At Aachen last summer Cian was riding Good Luck when a member of the arena party dashed across his path and jumped into a flower bed around which Cian was turning round before tackling an oxer.

Cian says the distraction caused Good Luck to fault. Ireland lost out on a Rio place to Spain by just 0.38 faults. On the day, HSI’s protest and appeal were dismissed.

Cian and HSI allege the incident cost Ireland’s showjumping team its Olympic place.

The ground jury, presided over by Britain’s Jon Doney, said Cian could have stopped and signalled to the judges, but continued.

However, today (Monday 4 January) it was revealed that this decision has been upheld by CAS.

“I have no regrets,” said Cian.

“I tried everything possible and left no stone unturned in trying to seek fairness for what I feel was an unsporting decision made by the ground jury in Aachen.

“It’s time to move on and refocus on the sport.

“Team Ireland are first reserve because of the good performance at World Equestrian Games in 2014 so there is always a chance that we will get there yet.”

HSI’s Damian McDonald added: “We felt that we had made a strong case and we are very disappointed with the outcome. We will await the full reasoned judgement before making any further comment.”

The CAS ruling means that the results from Aachen remain unchanged, with Ireland finishing seventh overall.

FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez added: “I am happy that the CAS has confirmed the decision of the FEI Appeal Committee.

“This was a field of play issue that was covered by FEI rules, so the CAS ruling upholding the decision made at the time is an important one for the FEI.”

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Irish showjumper Cian O’Connor and Horse Sport Ireland’s (HSI) appeal surrounding the European Championships will be delivered next month.

HSI and Cian appeared before the Court for Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, last week (16 December).

At the 2015 European Championships, Cian looked on target for a clear with Good Luck when a member of the arena party dashed across his path and jumped into the flower bed around which Cian was turning round before tackling an oxer.

Cian says the distraction caused Good Luck to fault. Ireland lost out on a Rio place to Spain by just 0.38 faults. On the day, HSI’s protest and appeal were dismissed.

Cian and HSI allege the incident cost Ireland’s showjumping team its Olympic place.

“We had a long hearing. We now have to wait for the decision which we are unlikely to receive before early January,” said HSI’s Damian McDonald.

“I want to thank our legal team of senior counsel Martin Hayden, specialist CAS counsel David Casserly, Joe Fitzpatrick and Eamon Carey from Smithwick Solicitors. Along with Cian O’Connor and his legal team they did a top class job in preparing and presenting the case.”

The Ground Jury, presided over by Britain’s Jon Doney, said Cian could have stopped and signalled to the judges, but continued.

“To have a showjumping team at the Olympic Games is very important for Ireland,” said HSI chairman Pat Wall.

“Our riders and their owners are doing a huge amount to promote Ireland as a world leader in the sport.

“They went to the European Championships to pursue their Olympic dream. A freak incident occurred on the day, which hindered our efforts. All we are looking for is fair play. We are convinced that if this incident had not happened, the Irish team would be going to the Olympics.”

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Horse Sport Ireland has employed two lawyers with expertise in sports litigation to take its dispute over Rio qualification to the highest level.

A dossier is being compiled by solicitor Gary Rice and specialist Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) counsel David Casserly with a view to appeals to the FEI Tribunal and, if unsuccessful, to the CAS.

The Irish showjumpers lost their Rio slot to Spain by just 0.38 of a penalty in the team final at the FEI European Showjumping Championships (news, 27 August).

Cian O’Connor was clear on Good Luck over the first 10 fences, but as he made his approach to the final line, a ring steward sprinted across his path and jumped into a flowerbed.

Good Luck hit the next fence — the only horse faulting here out of 40.

However, the Irish team’s protests that Cian was unfairly distracted fell foul of FEI article 233.3. The FEI said Cian had the right to stop in unforeseen circumstances but chose not to.

A growing body of opinion is now arguing that article 233.3 is designed to deal with physical impediment, not distractions. When read in conjunction with article 233.3.1, it seems to deal primarily with fences incorrectly re-set after a previous horse’s knock-down, or which fall down before they are jumped.

Furthermore, had Cian stopped and the FEI appeal committee decided he had not needed to, under rule 233.3.1 he would then have received four faults and a six-second penalty.

John Roche, FEI director of jumping and himself a former Irish international, could not recall a ground jury removing faults in a similar situation.

The rule has been applied at least twice in the UK. Markus Fuchs was leading the jump-off for the 2007 British Open, when he noticed a course-builder’s assistant behind the triple bar. Markus faulted and lost his lead.

The judges cited article 233.3 and said he should have pulled up. Markus did not protest, although organisers made up the difference in his prize money from third place to first.

Then last year, in the speed grand prix at the Royal International, Irish rider Shane Breen was jumping a fast clear when he spotted a missing plank, giving a false ground line. He made a split second decision to continue and had it down. On appeal, the judges ruled he should have stopped, although Shane says this was a “risky and illogical option”.

“There must be a change to the rules that provide little remedy to an athlete who is faced with circumstances beyond their control,” said Shane.

“Ireland not qualifying for Rio is a huge blow for the sport. Hopefully a higher court will see sense and provide a solution that the FEI cannot, or will not, offer.”

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Showjumping will take place in three of Ireland’s biggest cities this summer after Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) announced dates for its new “Jumping in the City” series.

All three shows take place on evenings in June in greyhound stadia.

The series starts on 5 June in the Limerick Greyhound Stadium, moves to Cork’s Curraheen Park on 12 June and concludes at Shelbourne Park in Dublin on 26 June.

There will be three classes each night — an amateur top score competition, a grand prix and a puissance.

“The purpose is to bring showjumping to a new and wider audience,” said HSI chief executive Damian McDonald.

“The facilities for spectators at each venue are very good, as are the corporate hospitality options. I’m sure we’ll learn something as we go along, but it has great potential and is very exciting for showjumping.”

Tickets will cost €15 (£11) and will be sold through the Irish Greyhound Board’s sales centre.

Irish international rider Trevor Breen said: “You only have to look at the success of the Global Champions Tour, which is going from strength to strength, to see how showjumping can be done well in international cities. On a national basis, it can only be a good thing to expose the sport to a wider audience — the more exposure showjumping gets, the better. It will be interesting to see whether the idea gets picked up in Britain — why couldn’t it be done?”

A spokesman for British Showjumping (BS) told H&H: the organisation will be “watching this with interest”.

“We are keen to see how it develops but our focus is very much committed to supporting the county shows,” she added.

“The International Stairway, which we see as supporting our performance pathway programme, is a series which is contested at the county shows and in which we invest. We see the county shows as being the correct venues for these events.”

Ref: Horse & Hound; 2 April 2015

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A 10-year “roadmap” to help to secure the future of the Irish sport horse industry was launched in Dublin last week (3 March).

A wide range of issues, including enhancing quality through more focused breeding, improving marketing and sales capacity across the industry and increasing participation in the sector are in the report, entitled “Reaching new heights: report of Irish sport horse industry strategy committee”. There are 35 key recommendations.

Simon Coveney, minister for agriculture, food and the marine, “commended” Horse Sport Ireland, Teagasc (the Irish agriculture and food development authority) and the Royal Dublin Society for “combining their expertise to produce the comprehensive report”.

The breeding industry in Ireland hit a crisis point during the recession, with overbreeding resulting in the value of horses plummeting. In 2009, the number of calls reporting abandoned or compromised horses increased by 150% (news, 14 January 2010).

In 2013 Horse Sport Ireland reported that the quality of foals was improving, and that it had seen a significant drop in the number of foals being registered.

Mr Coveney said he had been “conscious of the absence of a coherent vision and plan for the sport horse sector”.

“We have all the natural advantages for horse breeding and production in this country: a natural affinity for the horse, an abundance of horsemanship and world-class riders,” he added.

“I believe that the report provides the framework to harness our resources in order to achieve our goals.”

Horse Sport Ireland chairman, Pat Wall, said that the report was an “important milestone” for the sector.

The minister has also given a commitment to provide funding of up to €2m (£1.4m) for a network of breeder discussion groups to determine best practice.

“The absence of such a local/regional system in the equine sector has limited the opportunities for many breeders to improve their knowledge and skills to meet market demands,” Mr Wall added.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 12 March 2015

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An impressive list of successful Irish breeders were honoured at the Horse Sport Ireland 2014 Breeders Awards in Thurles, Co. Tipperary last week (19 November), proving that the Irish bloodstock industry is in rude health.

Among the eventing recipients were Paula Cullen and Bryan Maguire, breeders of the Irish Sport Horses who won Badminton and Kentucky CCI4* — Paulank Brockagh (pictured) (Sam Griffiths) and Bay My Hero (William Fox-Pitt) — and Patrick Fenlon, who bred the highest placed Irish Sport Horse in the WBFSH eventing rankings, Kilronan (Paul Tapner).

Great Britain’s winning Nations Cup showjumping team in Odense, Denmark, in May consisted of an amazing four Irish-bred horses — Dougie Douglas (Holly Gillott), Touchable (Jessie Drea), A Touch Imperious (Harriet Nuttall) and Santa Cruise II (Tim Page). Mary McCann, breeder of the latter, accepted an award on behalf of all four breeders.

Joanne and Finbar Mulligan received an award for successfully utilising modern breeding technology with their Irish Sport Horse Pembrook Milenia, who finished fourth in the five-year-old jumping final at Lanaken this year with British rider Stacey Babes.

One of the most outstanding young horses to come out of Ireland this year was the Luidam mare Ard Ginger Pop. Sold to Carl Hanley for €95,000 in September at the Goresbridge Supreme Sale of Showjumpers, the five-year-old went on to claim silver at Lanaken under Angelica Augustsson. This made Ard Ginger Pop the highest placed Irish Sport Horse at the FEI WBFSH jumping championships and her Navan-born breeder Heather Dean Wright accepted the award.

Breeder of the top ISH showing mare was Thomas Smyth of Kilkenny for his Ghareeb mare Inistioge Best Betty, and Raymond Sloyan from Co. Mayo took the award as breeder of the top Irish Draught showing mare for a second year in a row after Elm View scored a hat-trick in the broodmare championship at Dublin.

The outstanding contribution award to ISH breeding went to Mary McCann, who has been breeding eventers and showjumpers at the Hartwell Stud for 25 years.

HSI 2014 Breeders Awards in full:

1.Breeder of the Top International Event Horse 2014

Kilronan (ISH)

Breeder: Pat Fenlon, Co. Kilkenny

2. Breeder of the winner of the CCI4* at Badminton Horse Trials 2014

Paulank Brockagh (ISH)

Breeder: Paula Cullen, Co. Wicklow

3. Breeder of the winner of the CCI4* at Rolex, Kentucky 2014

Bay My Hero (ISH)

Breeder: Bryan Maguire, Co. Wexford

4. Highest Placed ISH at the World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses, Le Lion d’Angers 2014

Cooley Dream Extreme (ISH)

Breeder: Frank Gordon, Co. Mayo

5. Owner and breeder of the most successful young event horse 2014

Rioghan Rua (ISH)

Breeder: Margaret Kinsella, Galway

6. Highest placed showjumping rookie in the WBFSH rankings 2014

Special Lux (ISH)

Breeder: Des and Seamus Judge, Co. Mayo

7. Breeder utilising modern breeding technologies with success

Pembrook Milenia (ISH)

Breeder: Finbarr and Joanne Mulligan, Co. Wicklow

8. Highest Placed ISH at the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses, Lanaken 2014

Ard Ginger Pop (ISH)

Breeder: Heather Dean Wright, Meath

9. Breeders of the winning Nations Cup Team Odense

Dougie Douglas (ISH) – 2005 gelding by Ard VDL Douglas (KWPN) out of Neills Girl (ISH), by High Roller (ISH). Bred by John O’Brien, Co. Limerick.

Santa Cruise II (ISH) – 2004 gelding by Randi (HANN) out of Tamerarra (ISH), by Cruising (ISH). Bred by Hartwell Stud, Co. Kildare.

A Touch Imperious (ISH) – 2004 gelding by Touchdown (ISH) out of Cavimperius (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Bred by Leo Rice, Co. Monaghan.

Touchable (ISH) – 2001 mare by Touchdown (ISH) out of Irco Rain (ISH), by Irco Mena (SWB). Bred by Dr. Noel Cawley, Co. Kildare.

10. Breeder of top ISH showing mare 2014

Inistioge Best Betty (ISH)

Breeder: Thomas Smyth, Co. Kilkenny

11. Breeder of top Irish Draught showing mare 2014

Elm View (ID)

Breeder: Raymond Sloyan, Co. Mayo

12. Irish Sport Horse mare that achieved highest scores at inspection 2014

Cillbhrid April (ISH)

Breeder: Richard Power, Co. Waterford.

13. Irish Draught mare that achieved highest scores at inspection 2014

Gweebarra Genesis (ID)

Breeder: Charmaine Kee, C.o Donegal

14. Leading event horse stallion in the WBFSH sire rankings

Master Imp (TB)

Breeder: Barbara Hatton accepting award on behalf of the late Loftus O’Neill, Slyguff Stud, Co. Carlow

15. Outstanding contribution award to ISH breeding

Mary McCann, Co. Kildare

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Could Ireland host the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in 2022? The Duggan family, who own Millstreet, now believe they have a suitable venue.

The site in Co. Cork has 11 international standard all-weather arenas, three indoor schools and stabling for 1,200 horses.

This year a new cross-country course, designed by Mike Etherington-Smith, was built for the venue to host the Pony European Championships (30 July-3 August).

The competition was heralded a “great success” and Noel C Duggan, and the rest of the Duggan family, have now set their sights on WEG 2022.

Senior international eventer Michael Ryan supports the bid.

“It would be fantastic for the country and there is no question Noel C is the man for the job,” he said.

The cost of hosting a WEG — due to the need to be able to facilitate seven different disciplines — has regularly prevented countries from bidding, with the event typically making a loss.

In 2008, Millstreet offered to hold WEG 2014 and Irishman Dr Pearse Lyons — whose company Alltech sponsored this year’s event in Normandy — reportedly offered €10m (£7.8m) towards the running costs.

However, Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) rejected the idea of Ireland bidding for the event after a feasibility study.

“The main finding was that hosting the games would require substantial private and public funding,” said a spokesman from HSI.

“Given the economic situation in 2008, the HSI board took a view, following consultation with the government of the time, not to bid for the 2014 games.”

HSI told H&H that it had not yet discussed the potential bid for 2022 but that it had attended information sessions, which were held at WEG in Normandy this summer, for countries that might consider hosting in the future.

Earlier this year it was announced that Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park in Canada had been awarded the 2018 event (news, 6 June).

2010 host Kentucky was the only other venue in the running after the British Equestrian Federation did not put in a formal bid, while Wellington, Florida, withdrew from the running due to a sponsor conflict.

This news story was first published in H&H magazine (16 October 2014).

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Britain claimed individual silver and team bronze medals at the young rider European Championships in Herdade Vale Sabroso, Portugal, last week (18-21 September).

Holly Woodhead remained on her dressage score riding her father Ian and stepmother Heidi’s DHI Lupison to rise from 18th after dressage to take the individual silver.

Tom Jackson provided the second best team score for the Askham Bryan-sponsored British team — making amends for a fall at the final fence at last year’s championships — when he claimed seventh on his own and his parents Sara and Ian’s Waltham Fiddlers Find.

David Doel led the dressage, but had a run-out of a double of corners on a tough cross-country day. He and Miss Caruso, who he co-owns with Jane James, still finished 19th to help the Brits to bronze.

Britain’s other riders also all completed — they were team member Alexandra Liddle on John Huntridge’s Romeo Z (22nd) and individuals Isabella Innes Ker on her mother the Duchess of Roxburghe’s Rosses Captain (21st) and Sophie Beaty riding her own and Alison Booth’s Stanly (33rd).

Chairman of selectors Alex Colquhoun said: “After yesterday’s disappointments [only Holly and Tom jumped clear across country], I am so thrilled for all the riders. They lowered just two poles between them during some fantastic showjumping.

“It has been a roller coaster of a week, and in the end a team bronze and individual silver for Holly is a great result.”

Strong cross-country performances elevated Ireland from fourth after dressage to eventual team gold.

Their performance was spearheaded by individual bronze medallist Elizabeth Hayden (Miracle) and fourth-placed Harold Megahey on the former William Fox-Pitt horse Chuckelberry. The other team members were Joshua Pim with The Irish Miracle (ninth) and Jodie O’Keefe on Kachemire Le Beau (eliminated).

Team manager Sally Corscadden said: “It’s been a fantastic week in very tough weather conditions and I’m very proud of the riders battling all week. All six riders were absolutely brilliant.

“We have a brilliant support team Ian, Heike, Will, professional grooms and fantastic parents.

“All our plans came together, the athletes rode confidently and rode to orders with very tough ground conditions. We are absolutely delighted, it’s fantastic.”

Horse Sport Ireland chairman Prof Patrick Wall said: “A wonderful team performance with a great support team once again demonstrates the benefits of the Horse Sport Ireland high performance training programme for our talented young riders. With these rising stars in the pipeline the future for Ireland in international eventing is looking great.”

Ireland’s individuals — Tony Kennedy (Westeria Lane) and Jennifer Diamond (Early Spring) — both finished in the top 15.

The individual gold medal went to Germany’s Charlotte Sophia Hachmeister, who held onto her lead despite two showjumps down with Kassio 10.

Don’t miss a full report in H&H next week, out Thursday, 2 October.

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The eventing squad that will represent Ireland at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) this summer has been announced.

The full squad has been named as:

• Clare Abbott riding Euro Prince (owned by his breeder Cormac Mackay)
• Aoife Clark riding Fenyas Elegance (owned by her breeder PJ Hegarty) or as a direct reserve horse Vaguely North (owned by the Duchess of Bedford and Jacqueline Norris)
• Sarah Ennis riding Stellor Rebound (owned by Tom McGuinness, Nicky Potterton and the late Orla Ennis)
• Joseph Murphy riding Electric Cruise (owned by Noel Good, Joseph’s fiancé Jill, A. O’Callaghan and Michelle Nelson)
• Austin O’Connor riding Ringwood Mississippi (owned by Kate Jarvey)
• Sam Watson riding Horseware Bushman (owned by Tom MacGuinness and Sam’s parents John and Julia)

The reserves are:

• Joseph Murphy riding Sportsfield Othello (owned by his fiancé Jill, Alison Schmutz and Andrew Tinkler)
• Jim Newsam riding his own Magennis
• Michael Ryan riding Ballylynch Adventure (owned by Carol and Tom Henry and Sheila Foley)
• Camilla Speirs riding Portersize Just A Jiff (owned by his rider and her mother Bridget)

Aoife Clark has had a strong season so far winning the CCI3* at Bramham with Fenyas Elegance earlier this month (5 June). She also finished 4th in the CIC3* at Chatsworth (28 May) with Vaguely North.

The experienced combination of Sam Watson and Horseware Bushman have been selected to compete in their 5th senior championship together. Sam was forced to miss Badminton this year after dislocating his shoulder but the pair finished in 15th in the CIC3* at Tattersalls last month.

Nick Turner, Ireland’s eventing high performance team manager said: “I am delighted that we have such a strong squad to select from. The 6 riders have a wealth of experience riding horses that have good 4-star experience or very impressive wins recently at 3-star level.”

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A new equestrian online TV channel is set to launch in Ireland next month (February).

Irish Horse TV will combine coverage of flat and jump racing, excluding live racing, with showjumping, eventing, dressage and other equestrian subjects.

The station will be run by Kildare TV, an online station that already has stations devoted to Gaelic Athletic Association sports.

Len Regan, managing director of Irish Horse TV said: “We have been working for the past two years to bring all the elements together.

“The [Irish] horse racing and sport horse industries have a combined value of €1.5 billion.

“The channel will deliver a wide range of programmes to promote Ireland’s image as the Land of the Horse.”

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) are founding partners of the channel and the Royal Dublin Society and The Irish National Stud have also provided funding.

Further details as to content and programming will be announced at the official launch on 5 February.

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Two of the top jobs in Irish horse sport are up for grabs.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has announced that the positions of team manager for Ireland’s senior showjumping and eventing teams will be advertised shortly.

Robert Splaine has been showjumping manager since 2005 and Ginny Elliot has been eventing coach since 2008.

Chairman of HSI, Joe Walsh, said: “Showjumping manager Robert Splaine and eventing manager Ginny Elliot have both achieved excellent results for Irish equestrian sport.

“However, in the interest of transparency and fairness the board is of the view that an open recruitment competition should be held for these important positions.”

Ginny told H&H: “A huge amount of progress has been made in the last four years and I am very grateful for all the support and commitment given by the riders and owners to achieve the improvements to date.

“The team finished fifth at the London Games with three riders in the individual final, a fantastic result exceeding all targets that were set.

“I have no doubt further progress can be made and I look forward to setting out my plans for the future.”

Both coaches’ contracts expire on 31 December.

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Tattersalls International Horse Trials is in financial trouble.

The organisers say it may not run next year unless it can gain additional funding from Horse Sport Ireland (HSI).

“Attracting outside funding has been difficult from the outset – and even more so in the current economic climate,” said Roger Casey, finance director of Tattersalls Ireland.

“Yet again in 2012, we found ourselves committing to the event without any reciprocal commitment from Horse Sport Ireland. “

Tattersalls Ireland, which has sponsored the event for seven years, needs a “guaranteed funding plan” in place by 1 October, said Mr Casey.

“If we are unable to achieve this, we will regrettably be forced into a position where we are unable to host the 2013 event,” he said.

The loss of Ireland’s premier event would leave it with just one CCI*** – Ballindenisk.

Eventing Ireland’s Georgia Stubington told H&H: “It [Tattersalls] is obviously a terribly important event in the calendar and it would be desperate to lose it.

“But it’s early days and I’m sure everyone will do their best to keep it going.”

Damian McDonald of HSI said a meeting was due to take place next month to discuss funding of the event.

But the date to commit to contributing to Tattersalls is before HSI knows its budget.

“Tattersalls is an outstanding event and I am sure we will be in a position significantly to support it again next year,” he said.

“However, we are not in a position to give a guarantee of a set amount of funding until we receive confirmation of our own annual funding allocation.

“The real issue is that the sport horse sector is underfunded,” he added.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (28 June 2012)

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Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has announced that it will continue to offer significant prize money for its 2012 showjumping series.

This year’s Irish Sport Horse Studbook Showjumping Series will have a prize fund of €70,000 ( £58,000).

“Horse Sport Ireland provides excellent prize money and we look forward to another successful year of these classes for young Irish-bred horses,” said Showjumping Ireland chairman Christy Murphy.

The series will run at seven venues across Ireland, with the first leg kicking off at Louth County Show (27-29 April).

There will be €9,500 ( £7,900) in prize money on offer at each of the venues. And on the last leg of the series at the Tatteralls Ward Union Hunt Show in July there will be an additional €3,500 ( £2,900) on offer.

The series will form part of the selection process for the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses, held in Belgium in late September.

HSI’s Alison Corbally said: “The aim of the series [is] to provide a forum whereby talented young Irish sport horses can be produced successfully.”

Larkhill Cruiser and Loughview Lou-Lou – who have been successful in grand prix classes and Nations Cup competitions representing Ireland- both came through the Studbook Series as youngsters.

For more information visit www.horsesportireland.ie

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A new programme of random dope testing at national competitions will start in Irish horse sport from 1 April.

The new regulations were passed at a board meeting of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) on 3 February.

“Unfortunately, the reputation of the Irish equestrian sector has been tarnished in the past,” said Joe Walsh of HSI.

“We need to show we have a no-nonsense approach to the use of prohibited substances.”

The late Dr Gordon Holmes recommended introducing a national anti-doping programme in his report after showjumper Denis Lynch broke doping rules at the Beijing Olympics.

Dr Holmes discussed “a lax culture in the sector in relation to prohibited substances and practices”.

Horses are already tested by the FEI when competing in international competitions, but now a “consistent and robust” national testing programmewill be introduced.

Riders whose horses are found to contain a “controlled medication” (legitimate but not allowed in competition) face a suspension of up to six months and a fine of up to €500 (£419).

The discover of “banned substances” will incur a fine of up to €2,500 and possible suspension of up to two years.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (16 February 2012)

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An investigation into why Ireland’s showjumping team failed to qualify for the 2012 Olympics will be headed by the director of the SIA Group, a learning and development consultancy.

Jane Williams will review the factors that contributed to the non-qualification and make recommendations for changes to the senior showjumping high performance programme.

A draft report will be presented to the Horse Sport Ireland board in late January.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H

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Irish showjumping authorities have ordered an independent review into the country’s failure to qualify a team for the London 2012 Olympics.

And questions have also been raised in the Irish Senate.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is tendering for a company to carry out a post-mortem examination to establish why the Republic could not qualify a team for the 2012 Olympics – despite having two riders in the world’s top 11 and five in the top 100.

The results will be relayed to HSI in January.

HSI chairman Joe Walsh said: “Everyone was very disappointed that we did not qualify for the Games. The review will provide those closest to the programme with an opportunity to offer their views.”

Riders and the team management will be interviewed individually and their views added anonymously.

Team spirit

Irish showjumper Cian O’Connor, who jumped at the 2004 Athens Olympics, told H&H: “The review will only be helpful if we find ways to improve from it rather than apportion blame.

“We [Irish riders] are very successful individually, but often perform below par as a team.

” [British chef d’equipe] Rob Hoekstra, has done a super job with Team GB in terms of planning and organisation, and created team spirit within a camp where some were far from best mates.

“Irish showjumpers need to work as a team, not as four individuals who meet up on the day of a big competition.”

Questions in Parliament

Ireland crashed out of team contention for the Olympics at the European Championships in Madrid (13-18 September).

One politician demanded HSI be hauled before the Irish Parliament’s upper house, the Seanad (Senate).

Fine Gael senator Tom Sheahan told H&H the showjumping team’s failures indicate a “cancer” in HSI.

“Ireland has always prided itself on being a place of equine excellence. It is a disastrous indictment that we could not qualify for the Olympics,” said Mr Sheahan.

“HSI is a state-funded institution, they need to explain what’s gone wrong.”

Ireland also failed to qualify a team for the Beijing Olympics in 2008. A single showjumper, Denis Lynch, represented Ireland in Hong Kong.

Hope for individuals

The Irish now hope to secure places for two individual riders for London.

Their success will be determined by the FEI world rankings as they stand on 1 March 2012.

Ireland’s Denis Lynch currently ranks 10th and Billy Twomey 11th – though the places do not have to go to the riders whose ranking secured them.

Ireland’s chef d’equipe, Robert Splaine, HSI and the Olympic Council of Ireland will decide the final Olympic selection.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (20 October, 2011)

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Horse Sport Ireland’s 2011 Stallion Book has just been published and includes more information to assist breeders.

New features include international performance details, star ratings and linear scoring information.

It also gives full details of each approved stallion, including breeding and number of foals registered.

For more information, visit: www.horsesportireland.ie.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (5 May, 2011)

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Irish showjumper Denis Lynch has quit the Irish team, blaming irreconcilable differences with team manager Robert Splaine.

Denis is now considering riding for Germany — where he has lived for the past 16 years.

Denis told the Irish Examiner newspaper: “The team must come first, not me, an individual, but if I cannot give the same commitment, there is no point in continuing.

“I have spoken with Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) and I don’t think we can achieve anything at the moment.

“The relationship between myself and Robert [Splaine] has broken down, but manager/athlete situations like these occur in all sports.

“I have to recognize our relationship is poor and this could definitely affect the team in the future. So I have to question my involvement.”

A spokesman for HSI told H&H: “It is our view that the appropriate way to resolve any issues which a rider may have with the management of any Irish equestrian team is for the rider to sit down with the team manager and discuss them face to face.

“In recent weeks Denis Lynch has repeatedly declined to do this, despite several proposals to this effect from Robert Splaine.”

He said that Mr Splaine, HSI chief executive Damian McDonald and chairman Joe Walsh had offered to visit Denis in Germany on 7 January but their overture had been refused.

“The offer to meet still stands,” said the HSI spokesman. “However, we want to make it clear that it is HSI’s prerogative to appoint the manager of the Irish showjumping team.

“In addition, any rider who wants to ride for Ireland must be willing to comply in full with HSI’s rules and code of conduct,” he added.

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Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is offering a €25,000 (£21,800) bonus to the purchaser of any horse, bought at the event horse sale at Co Wexford next week, that goes on to win an Olympic, world or European gold medal or a CCI****.

Staged by Goresbridge Horse Sales and Monart Equestrian, the sale takes place in Enniscorthy on Thursday, 11 November.

“Ireland is the place to buy top-class event horses,” said HSI chairman Joe Walsh.

“Two Irish-bred horses have won four-star competitions this year — Tankers Town at Luhmühlen and Lenamore at Burghley — and many competed at the World Equestrian Games.”

The bonus will be paid to the buyer of the horse at this sale, regardless of who owns it at the time it wins the competition.

Buyers coming from the USA can claim up to €800 (£670) towards flights if they spend €5,000 (£4,353) at the sale.

Incentives are becoming more common in elite horse sales, as vendors try to attract buyers during the recession.

Brightwells and Dressage Horse International offer a £10,000 prize to the winner of a competition for four- and five-year-old horses sold at their sales the previous year.

And in racing, the Millions Races comprises eight races worth £1,750,000 that are exclusively for yearlings purchased at the Tattersalls October yearling sale.

The Irish event horse sale offers 65 lots — 60 from four regional centres around Ireland and five wild-card entries.

Martin Donohoe of Goresbridge said: “This select sale is a new concept for Ireland and the horses are predominantly traditionally Irish-bred, which is what international buyers are looking for.”

Visit: www.irishhorse.com or www.monartequestrian.com

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (4 November, ’10)

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Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has rebranded the Irish equestrian teams as Team Ireland Equestrian.

And a new logo representing three horseshoes making up a shamrock has just been revealed.

All team riders will be equipped with embroidered kit from Horseware Ireland displaying the logo and it will also be available to the public.

A new Twitter service and Facebook fan page was launched on 20 January and already has more than 1,000 fans.

Joe Walsh, chairman of HSI, said he hopes the drive will allow Team Ireland Equestrian to secure a commercial sponsor to “work with us to build the profile of our teams, our riders and our horses in the lead up to London 2012”.

“Last year we had 480 riders who represented Ireland in international competition with huge success and I believe that our riders, breeders and owners deserve more credit for their achievements on the world stage,” he said.

“However we cannot take a piecemeal approach, we need a focused, relentless marketing campaign with a professional back up service,” he added.

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Irish welfare organisations recently held a “constructive” meeting with Brendan Smith, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to discuss horse welfare.

Horse Sport Ireland chairman Joe Walsh led a delegation including representatives from Irish Horse Welfare and The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to meet with Brendan Smith on Wednesday 14 October.

Mr Walsh said the large number of horses in the country coupled with the economic downturn could result in problems as winter approaches.

Problems identified included a lack of a proper traceability system for horses and too many agencies trying to deal with equine issues.

Currently, as well as the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the local authorities are responsible for implementing the Control of Horses Act, while welfare problems are legally a problem for the Gardai.

“There is no doubt we have too many horses in the country and as we head into the winter we want to ensure that we have plans in place to deal with any welfare problems that may arise,” said Mr Walsh. “The meeting was very constructive and the minister agreed to set up a meeting involving the relevant agencies to ensure we have the correct protocols in place.”

He also stressed a traceability system, similar to the ones already in place for cattle and sheep, is required for horses.

“People are not obliged to register a change in the ownership of a horse and this means that it can be difficult to hold people to account for the condition of their horses, or in cases of abandoned horses. This needs to be looked at urgently, as it would also have major implications if there was a disease outbreak,” said Mr Walsh.

He added that Ireland needs to improve its breeding industry to ensure more valuable horses are bred and that more horse slaughtering facilities should be opened.

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Ireland’s national riders are to be licensed and will be asked to fill out a log book of medication given to their horses, in a bid to counter a “lax culture to prohibited substances”.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) today (6 March) announced the results of a report into the use of prohibited substances by Irish riders, undertaken after show jumper Dennis Lynch broke doping rules at the Beijing Olympics last August.

Other plans include a complete overhaul of the HSI medication and anti-doping testing programme, a request that all prohibited practices (like the use of spiked boots) are outlawed under animal welfare legislation and a new penalty and disciplinary structure.

Dr Gordon Holmes, who chaired the investigation said in the course of the committee’s work concerns were expressed about “a lax culture in the sector in relation to prohibited substances and practices”.

“We believe that the recommendations in the report are straightforward and can be readily implemented. It is clear that there is a real sense within the sector that action is needed,” he said.

HSI chairman Joe Walsh said he would implement the report’s findings without delay.

He said: “Later today this report will be forwarded to our rules committee and they will begin the process of enshrining the recommendations into our rule book.

“I would expect all of these recommendations, including the new anti-doping and medication testing programme, to be fully operational by the end of the year,” he added.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) said it “applauded” the steps taken by Horse Sport Ireland in furthering the debate on medication control and anti-doping policy.

The FEI Anti-Doping and Medication Commission also met today to collate the recommendations from its key working groups to shape international anti-doping regulation.

FEI secretary-general Alex McLin said: “Today’s meeting in Lausanne has proved invaluable in focusing the recommendations of the key working groups towards a clear and unified stance on clean sport.

“We look forward to sharing and discussing our recommendations in coming weeks.”

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